Fucoxanthin
Research reviewed: 2006–2018
Fucoxanthin (Fucoxanthin (marine carotenoid)) is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 854 participants, researched for Fat Loss & Thermogenesis, Antioxidant Effects, Anti-Diabetic Effects and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Fat Loss & Thermogenesis
StrongAntioxidant Effects
ModerateAnti-Diabetic Effects
ModerateLiver & Metabolic Health
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Fat Loss & Thermogenesis
Evaluate fucoxanthin with pomegranate seed oil on fat loss
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate fucoxanthin with pomegranate seed oil on fat loss
Dose
Fucoxanthin 2.4 mg/day + pomegranate seed oil
Participants
151
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in body weight (−4.9 kg), body fat (−3.5%), and visceral fat; RMR increased by 18%; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Body fat %, RMR, abdominal fat area (CT), body weight
Test fucoxanthin in overweight subjects on body composition
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Test fucoxanthin in overweight subjects on body composition
Dose
Fucoxanthin 2.4 mg in oil
Participants
78
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Significant reduction in body fat mass (−2.8 kg); liver fat reduced; glucose metabolism improved; blood pressure modestly reduced
How They Measured It
DEXA body fat, RMR, blood glucose, liver fat
Evaluate fucoxanthin-rich seaweed extract for thermogenesis
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate fucoxanthin-rich seaweed extract for thermogenesis
Dose
Fucoxanthin extract 5 g/day
Participants
68
Duration
12 weeks
Results
RMR significantly elevated (+8.2%); fat oxidation increased; body weight reduced; thermogenic mechanism via UCP1
How They Measured It
RMR via indirect calorimetry, body weight, substrate oxidation
Antioxidant Effects
Assess fucoxanthin antioxidant properties in healthy adults
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess fucoxanthin antioxidant properties in healthy adults
Dose
Fucoxanthin 2 mg/day
Participants
55
Duration
8 weeks
Results
Significant improvement in antioxidant capacity; MDA and 8-isoprostane reduced; plasma fucoxanthin elevated confirming bioavailability
How They Measured It
ORAC, FRAP, plasma MDA, 8-isoprostane
Anti-Diabetic Effects
Evaluate fucoxanthin on blood glucose and insulin resistance
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate fucoxanthin on blood glucose and insulin resistance
Dose
Fucoxanthin 2.4 mg/day
Participants
90
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Fasting glucose significantly reduced (−14%); HOMA-IR improved by 27%; HbA1c reduced by 0.3%; hepatic glucose output suppressed
How They Measured It
Fasting glucose, HOMA-IR, insulin, HbA1c
Evaluate fucoxanthin clinical evidence for metabolic benefits
Study Type
Systematic Review
Purpose
Evaluate fucoxanthin clinical evidence for metabolic benefits
Dose
Various
Participants
250
Duration
Various
Results
Consistent evidence for thermogenic and anti-diabetic effects; fat loss modest but significant; anti-oxidant activity confirmed
How They Measured It
PRISMA systematic review of RCTs on fucoxanthin
Liver & Metabolic Health
Assess fucoxanthin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Assess fucoxanthin on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Dose
Fucoxanthin 4 mg/day
Participants
80
Duration
24 weeks
Results
Liver fat significantly reduced (−5.4%); ALT and AST normalised; glucose metabolism improved; well-tolerated
How They Measured It
Liver fat (MRI), ALT, AST, glucose, lipids
Evaluate fucoxanthin in adipose tissue energy metabolism
Study Type
Randomised Controlled Trial
Purpose
Evaluate fucoxanthin in adipose tissue energy metabolism
Dose
Fucoxanthin 2.4 mg/day
Participants
82
Duration
16 weeks
Results
Adipose UCP1 expression increased; body temperature slightly elevated; RMR increased; brown adipose tissue-like thermogenesis confirmed
How They Measured It
Adipose UCP1 mRNA (biopsy), body temperature, RMR
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Fucoxanthin research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Fucoxanthin (Fucoxanthin (marine carotenoid)), involving 854 total participants. Research covers Fat Loss, Thermogenesis, Antioxidant and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Strong.
The evidence is currently rated as "Strong Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (8 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Fucoxanthin has been researched for: Fat Loss, Thermogenesis, Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 8 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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